  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2018 Gr 4 Up—Relive the most exciting moments in women's soccer in this in-depth collective biography of the sport's biggest stars. After an enthusiastic ode to the sport in the "Pregame" chapter, Killion relays the career highlights of 11 U.S. players for the "First Half." Providing only minimal information about each player's personal life and background, the focus is instead on achievements on the field. She goes on to profile 11 international players for the "Second Half." "Halftime" is dedicated to a history of women playing soccer and the impact the 1972 passing of Title IX had on women's athletic teams. Remaining sections cover top 10 lists of the best goals, the best events, the biggest upsets, and the biggest saves. A small section of photographs is appended, and a concluding section profiles the next generation of star players. While this text provides plenty of exciting statistics and blow-by-blow retellings of great moments in soccer history, it is not for the casual sports enthusiast. Killion knows the game and its history and writes for an audience already familiar with and fond of the sport. The focus on women athletes represents a much-needed perspective in sports books for tweens and will be a welcome addition. VERDICT A practical purchase for collections where soccer and sports books are in demand and books about women in sports are lacking.—Kristy Pasquariello, Wellesley Free Library, MA - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 04/15/2018 New Englanders cheer on the Boston Red Sox, while Texans call the Dallas Cowboys their home team, but the U.S. women’s national soccer team gets all Americans cheering. Whether new to the sport or a devoted fan, readers will find an overview of recent and current stars in professional women’s soccer in this enthusiastic guide. Its arrangement resembles a soccer match with the “Pregame” section offering a quick history of the U.S. women’s national soccer team and its growing popularity. The best part of the book, however, kicks off in the “First Half,” which features profiles of such influential soccer champions as Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, and Hope Solo. The “Second Half” follows the same format with profiles of international soccer champs. Other sections include a “Halftime” history of women’s soccer (including the importance of Title IX in the U.S.), top events in women’s soccer, and a look at the next generation of soccer superstars. A concluding photo section of champions in action will score more readers for this high-interest volume. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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